Moving Toward Shared Responsibility for Population Health – Incorporating Health in All Policies

Moving Toward Shared Responsibility for Population Health; Incorporating Health in All Policies
WalkWorks – Incorporating Health in all Policies – PA Dept of Health 2016

WalkWorks an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Health implemented in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. WalkWorks targets counties with key health indicators and engages community-based organizations to increase opportunities for physical activity.  WalkWorks identifies and promotes safe walking routes, offers social support through guided, community-based walking groups, helps schools develop walk-to-school programs, and addresses local policies to increase safe walking routes.

One of the tasks that WalkWorks is charged with includes influencing policy.  The first step towards setting the foundation for such, is the dissemination of a policy brief focused on the concept of “Health in All Policies” (HiAP).  Briefly, the documents call for embedding “health” in all substantive policy areas – ensuring a comprehensive approach to health and well-being –  especially land use and transportation plans.  The content is intended to illustrate (and educate decision makers about) the value of interconnections – community planning, economic development, public health, transportation, etc.


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